The Best Rat Traps for Your Money in 2023

Best Overall

Rat Zapper Classic Indoor Electronic Mouse and Rat Trap

4.8

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This trap is as antiseptic as it gets, with no tactile or even visual contact needed. Its best feature is the LED light that flashes red when a rat is inside, letting you know it's time to empty the trap without having to look. (Cleaning is necessary between uses, however.)

The purple, tunnel-shaped trap is completely opaque, so you never need to see the results of its use, which it accomplishes through high-voltage shock. You know the job is done when its best feature, a little LED light, flashes red; then, you can empty it without having to look. The four AA batteries (not included) supply enough power to last for 20 encounters, according to the manufacturer, which is great if you have mice issues as well. It also is big enough for larger rodents but is not intended for outdoor use.

While not as humane as a catch-and-release trap, it is a nice option for those who are squeamish or dealing with an army of rats.

Price at time of publish: $53

_{Type: Lethal electronic︱Dimensions: 12 x 4.3 x 4.5 inches︱Target Species: Rats, mice︱Capacity: 1 rat | Indoors or Outdoors: Indoors}

Best Budget

Victor Rat Traps

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Victor has been making the classic wood-and-metal snap trap for over 100 years! Inexpensive and straightforward, this is the classic choice for those looking to save money and who are familiar with using the design: You set the bait, set the trap, and wait for the result.

However, the trap can be difficult to set and is easy to trigger, meaning you can accidentally end up pinching your fingers. Also, this trap may not be immediately effective, causing the animal to suffer. And, of course, disposal requires direct contact. But if budget is your prime consideration, we recommend this one.

Price at time of publish: $21

_{Type: Snap︱Dimensions: Not listed︱Target Species: Rats, mice︱Capacity: 1 rat | Indoors or Outdoors: Both}

Best Bait

EcoClear Products RatX Rat and Mouse Rodenticide Pellets

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If you want to avoid inhumane traps or poison, this is our best pick for a nontoxic bait. The manufacturer, EcoClear, says the product avoids unintentional harm to children, pets, and the environment. The bait is specific to rats' unique digestive system and doesn't harm non-targeted animals or pests.

Given its nontoxic makeup, it is safe to use indoors and outdoors. Our testers liked the ability to use it in stables and barns, as the threat to other animals is low. However, this bait is slow-acting compared with the other trapping methods.

Price at time of publish: $45

_{Type: Rodenticide ︱Dimensions: Not applicable︱Target Species: Rats︱Capacity: Not applicable | Indoors or Outdoors: Both}

Best Glue

Catchmaster Baited Rat, Mouse and Snake Glue Traps

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Many people seek out glue traps because of their inexpensive price points and because they do not use rodenticides: They just trap the interloper for humane disposal. This is why glue-based traps remain a standard in pest control: They perform exactly as advertised.

Customers liked this model because anchors kept the trap where it was positioned. Each pack in this product contains six traps that are effective for up to one year, offering the ability to use them as long-term monitoring tools to keep tabs on your population.

Price at time of publish: $15

_{Type: Glue, nonlethal ︱Dimensions: 10 x 5 inches︱Target Species: Rats︱Capacity: 1 rat | Indoors or Outdoors: Indoors only}

Best Snap Trap

Tomcat Rat Snap Trap

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Tomcat is one of the oldest manufacturers in the rodent control market. Their Indoor/Outdoor Rat Snap Traps are ideal when you likely have many rats to contend with and need to set traps indoors and out. Using plastic instead of classic metal allows for more design choice. In this case, that resembles clamping alligator jaws, which are intended to keep rats in place with less chance of escape.

Customers liked the updated setting-up-bait process, which avoided putting delicate fingers in harm's way. (You can arm it with your foot if you choose.) Plastic, which doesn't rust, also extends the shelf life. However, just as in the metal-and-wood variation, sometimes the jaws don't deliver a lethal blow, and the results aren't concealed.

Price at time of publish: $10

_{Type: Snap︱Dimensions: 3 x 8.6 x 5 inches︱Target Species: Rats︱Capacity: 1 rat | Indoors or Outdoors: Both}

Best Bait Station

D-Con Rat Poison Bait Station

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The d-Con Bait Station trap is entirely covered and is simple to set up. You insert the bait by removing the top latches.

The bait used is cholecalciferol. Pet Poison Helpline notes that this is a type of vitamin D that humans require, rats cannot tolerate in high doses, and can be toxic to dogs if ingested in large amounts. Avoid placing traps in areas where pets play.

Price at time of publish: $49

_{Type: Lethal bait station | Dimensions: 3.75 x 9.56 x 10.19 inches︱Target Species: Rats, mice, and other rodents︱Capacity: Multiple rats | Indoors or Outdoors: Both}

Best Multi-Rat Trap

RUGGED RANCH RATTR The Ratinator Multiple Catch Live Rat Trap

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If you are positive you have a rat infestation, a multi-trap is likely your best bet. Customers appreciated that this trap is humane, provided you offer edible, nontoxic bait. A spring floor causes the door to close behind trapped rats. The Ratinator is tamper-resistant, making it ideal for households with pets and children.

Made of plastic, the trap weighs less than other metal humane traps (9 pounds), making it easier to transport over large distances and set up. While not as sturdy or cost-effective as metal traps, it is a great option for those trying to trap more than one rodent.

Price at time of publish: $100

_{Type: Nonlethal trap-and-release︱Dimensions: 16.5 x 26.5 x 6 inches︱Target Species: Rats︱Capacity: 21 rats︱Indoors or Outdoors: Both}

Best Humane

Gingbau Humane Live Mouse/Rat/Chipmunk Trap

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A close second to our overall best pick, you can catch rats, squirrels, and even chipmunks without killing them using the Gingbau Humane Rat Trap. Once baited, the outdoor traps lure your target in, and a pressure-sensitive panel triggers the door to close and lock. All you do then is release the captive.

Since the Gingbau uses no poisons, electronics, or snaps, it's ideal for households with curious small children or pets. The trap is also sized appropriately, so small dogs or cats aren't mistakenly incarcerated! Customers love that not only is this trap humane, but it also prevents escape until you open the door, putting you more in control of your rodent situation.

Price at time of publish: $22

_{Type: Nonlethal catch-and-release | Dimensions: 10.5 x 5.6 x 4.4 inches︱Target Species: Rats, other rodents︱Capacity: 1 rat | Indoors or Outdoors: Outdoors}